Courses
We offer a broad and balanced curriculum, for key stage 3 (Years 7-9), key stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) and key stage 5 (Years 12 and 13 - Sixth Form). Click the appropriate button below to find the details for each subject offered in each key stage.
Further details of our curriculum are available on the curriculum page.
Overview
Art & Design (Fine Art)
Introduction
Fine Art GCSE gives students a foundation knowledge of art that is mapped using the AQA assessment objectives then populated with creativity, diversity, and independence threaded through at every point. These core values support our students to confidently navigate the curriculum. We aspire to shape students that can work independently and that have the confidence to self-direct their own learning through the power of coaching, guidance, and mentoring. These fundamental aspects of our curriculum endeavour to build creative resilience and encourage passion and enthusiasm for the subject. Woven through the course is a constant appreciation for art and its impact within a rich and diverse school curriculum and its place in a wider world context.
Qualification
GCSE
Awarding body
AQA
Course leader
Mrs K McCabe
Assessment
- Examination: 0%
- Non-examined assessment: 100%
- Component 1: Coursework throughout Years 10 and 11 | 60%
- Component 2: Work from January—May of Year 11, culminating in a 10 hour non examined assessment | 40%
Curriculum
Course content
You will learn to, independently, develop and create projects within themes of your own choosing, producing a wide variety of artwork that meets four assessment objectives and culminates in a final outcome. The GCSE is entirely coursework based, which means you can start working towards it as soon as you begin the course and can continue to develop and refine it over two years.
You will explore the formal elements of art and design through drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, digital manipulation, and photo editing, 3D work and ceramics. Technique workshops vary each year, but may include learning to use acrylic and oil paint, pencil, pen, watercolour, printing techniques, ink, etching, photography and creating textured surfaces. There is an emphasis on students initiating their own research and theme, experimenting with media and processes, and refining their techniques to create personal outcomes.
The course offers a three day residential in the Peak District where you can work directly with established artists, designers and makers from the Sheffield area on exciting projects that can then be submitted towards your GCSE grade. GCSE students are given much more freedom and make their own choices over the materials they want to use, subject matter, project titles and how they would like to develop their work. Students that take this subject are happy and feel they can express themselves through their work.
Topics
In fine art students start by exploring materials and techniques in an exploratory way to encourage confidence and risk taking. Through a project called “Art Explorations” students discover ways to work with ink, paint, mixed media, scale and collage. Students then develop their independence further by producing a personal project where they have choice over the theme and direction they wish to take their ideas. This long project allows students to deeply reflect and develop their own ideas. In Year 11 we focus on preparing students for their externally set task in January by developing a small project along the theme of macro. Students can respond to theme as they choose, but learn to develop ideas and ambitions more quickly and succinctly in this short project.
Skills and requirements
Skills required
- An enthusiasm for the subject and a drive to create and explore materials and processes.
- A commitment and enthusiasm to develop work creatively across many different disciplines which can include digital drawing, sketching, painting and 3D work.
- To be able to reflect on your work then use this to develop it and explore suggestions.
- To have ambition for your work and want to explore it independently.
- To give everything a go!
Beyond the classroom
Future pathways
Doing art at GCSE can provide you with lots of opportunities in creative and practical careers. A large number of our students go on to study architecture, product design, and Illustration or have go on to work in the fashion or game design industries. However we have students that also use the course to demonstrate excellent problem solving skills and creativity which have seen them be successful in pursuing careers in medicine, engineering or even PR and marketing.
